Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards 2018 – Winners announced

The winners of the prestigious Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards 2018 have been announced.

Celebrating a very special 21st anniversary, the awards mark the end of the Festival and they honour the restaurants, bars and individuals who make the Manchester’s food and drink industry so vibrant. They are the benchmark for the very high standards that have seen Manchester’s dining and drinking scene recognised on an international scale.

The awards were presented last earlier this week at the MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards, held in the stunning surroundings of Gorton Monastery.

The winners were:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Caterer.com
Recognising the ‘best of the best’ dining establishments in Greater Manchester in 2018. This category can feature restaurants of any style or price point.

WINNER: Adam Reid at The French, Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS

Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year – sponsored by Bookatable
This award recognises the best premium to fine dining establishments across the city.

WINNER: Adam Reid at The French, Peter Street, Manchester, M60 2DS

Casual Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Manchester Confidential
This award aims to recognise the best informal dining establishments in Manchester.

WINNER: Levanter Fine Foods, 10 Square St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9A

Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Manchester Evening News
Celebrating the best new food and drink operations to open in Greater Manchester since the last awards decision period in June 2017.

WINNER: The Creameries, 406 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester, M21 0SD

Chef of the Year sponsored by Stephenson’s
Aiming to celebrate the most talented and outstanding work of chefs cooking in Greater Manchester kitchens – his or her skill, menu, commitment and contribution to the dining scene.

WINNER: Rachel Stockley, Baratxuri 1 Smithy St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9ATPub / Beer Bar of the Year sponsored by Carlsberg UK
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.

WINNER: Port Street Beer House, 39-41 Port St, Manchester M1 2EQ

Bar of The Year – sponsored by Double Dutch
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that aren’t considered ‘pubs’

WINNER: Science and Industry, 49 -51 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1NAOut of Town Venue of the Year sponsored by R Noone & Son
Now in its third year, this award recognises the superb establishments that are based in the suburbs of Greater Manchester.

WINNER: Where The Light Gets In,7 Rostron Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JYCoffee Shop/Tea Shop of the Year sponsored by Gorton Monastery
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.

Affordable Eats Venue of the Year sponsored by Taste of Manchester
Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, quick and simple dining experience. This category can include cafes, takeaways and any venue whereby the price point and service style mean that the overall concept is widely considered by customers to be a more of a ‘food on the go’ style of dining and a main meal and drink can be purchased for under £10.

Vegetarian Offering of the Year sponsored by Quorn
New in 2017 this award focuses on the growing number of vegetarian offerings in the city and the growth in its popularity.

WINNER: Lily’s, 75-83 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF

Manchester Brewery of the Year
This award raises a pint to all the great breweries establishing themselves throughout Greater Manchester and celebrates the very best brew in town.

WINNER: Marble Brewery, 41 Williamson St, Manchester, M4 4JS

Pop Up, event or project of the Year sponsored by Manchester’s Finest
Designed to recognise the ever more pioneering food and drink one off projects, events, activities and pop ups happening in the region.

WINNER: HATCH, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED

Front of House Team of the Year sponsored by Boutinot Wines
This award aims to recognise the most outstanding front of house team in Manchester. The panel were looking for the restaurant that goes that extra mile in terms of service – where customers can rely on an experience that makes them feel special, from greeting to depature.

Street Food Trader of the Year Award sponsored by The Butcher’s Quarter
Awarding one of the Greater Manchester-based street food legends that are gracing our kerbs with an ever-increasing plethora of gastro goods.

The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement
Recognising individuals who contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester over the last 21 Festivals.WINNER: Jeremy Roberts, Living Ventures

Wow! Images coming through thick and fast now for next front/back cover. Hurry and secure a slot #foodies #foodanddrink images to dawn@fdmb.co.uk (majority of new phones are good enough dpi)
** 6 slots gone this morning already